Lithium [Li, 3]
187
Lithium is extensively used in psychiatric medicine, for the prevention and
treatment of manic-depressive disorders (Dimitrova et  al. 2013). For the last few
decades, Li has been the most effective psychopharmacological drug, in the longterm treatment of patients with recurrent unipolar and bipolar affective illness, and
is recommended as a treatment for several emotional and mental disorders. One of
the side effects associated with its chronic use is Li-induced nephropathy, which may
finally manifest itself as end-stage renal disease, in need of either dialysis or kidney
transplantation (Grunfeld and Rossier 2009).
Because Li is used as a medication to treat manic-depressive disorders, the
dosage should be monitored extremely carefully, to prevent toxicity of the element. It is recommended as a nutritional supplement, but is primarily used as
medicine drugs. It has also been, occasionally, used in treating alcoholism, as it
helps in decreasing the taste for alcohol, and generating a more cheerful attitude
in life (Fołta and Bartoń 2011).
There is tentative evidence that Li may prevent Alzheimer’s disease, and may
change disease progress in those with early symptoms (Forlenza et  al. 2012).
A study provides strong evidence that geographic regions with higher natural Li
concentrations in drinking water are associated with lower suicide mortality rates.
Epidemiological data concerning cardiovascular mortality and high Li content in
drinking water (ca <100 μg/L) showed a reduction of intestinal and cardiovascular
diseases (Masironi and Shaper 1981).
Although the effects of therapeutic doses of Li are well established, little is
known about the health effects of natural Li intake. Study on evaluating the association between local Li levels in drinking water and suicide mortality at district level
in Austria provides strong evidence that geographic regions with higher natural Li
concentrations in drinking water are associated with lower suicide mortality rates
(Kapusta et al. 2011). Also, in areas with higher concentration of Li are lower rates
of depression and violent crime. A link between high levels of Li in tap water and
low incidences of suicides, admissions to mental hospitals, murders, and rapes is
observed. Although many people can benefit from increasing the amount of Li in
diet, overexposure to Li can adversely affect health. Overexposure to Li negatively
affects thyroid function. People living in the Andes discovered that exposure to Li
through drinking water and other environmental sources may affect thyroid function
(Broberg et al. 2011).
Excess Li produces symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, excessive thirst, increased
urination, hand and foot tremors, lethargy, mental confusion, delirium, and weakness in muscles. High doses of Li may cause interference with glucose metabolism
and hypothyroidism.
The available experimental evidence now appears to be sufficient to accept Li as
an essential element. The provisional recommended dietary allowance for a 70 kg
adult is 1 mg/day (Schrauzer 2002). Lithium occurs in all foods, though at low levels
(Table 25.2).